(CNN) – Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-New York, who was first elected in 1971, claimed victory in what he says is his last race, looking like he'll survive a second straight narrow victory against the same opponent he faced two years ago when he barely kept his political career alive.

Rangel blamed the changing district for his slim margins of victory.

"About 20% of my district now goes to a different county," said Rangel. "My opponent was apparently more popular in that district than I thought he would be."FULL POST

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